News

1,500 illegally grown marijuana plants seized in San Leandro pot bust

By Karina Ioffee Bay Area News Group

Posted:
01/22/2014 04:33:27 PM PST

Updated:
01/23/2014 06:10:34 AM PST

Bay Area News Group

SAN LEANDRO --Two grow houses containing more than 1,500 illegally cultivated marijuana plants were discovered Tuesday in San Leandro after police responded to a call about a power line sparking on a residential street.

The incident occurred in the 15000 block of Endicott Street shortly after midnight Tuesday. Further investigation determined that someone had tampered with the power supply in order to power the illegal grow house, which San Leandro police described as larger than usual.

The investigation also revealed a second marijuana grow house in the 14900 block of Crosty Street, leading to the arrest of Sonny Chen, 49, of San Leandro. Chen has been charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, sale and possession of marijuana and utility theft.

"Illegal marijuana grow operations are a major fire hazard and anyone who sees suspicious activity at an abandoned home should immediately report it," said Lt. Randall Brandt of the San Leandro Police Department.